Capilla Cardedeu by EMC Arquitectura

Nestled in the mountains and with a spectacular view of Lake Coatepeque, the Capilla Cardedeu is an exclusive place for events with more than 5 acres of land, consist of a chapel, a restaurant, a hotel and various spaces.

San Salvador based firm EMC Arquitectura has created a simple architecture that provides space for versatile experiences, and generates varied perspectives to the lake.

The chapel is like a box of extruded concrete where two covers are removed without offering any closure to the ground, it projects over the ground and generate sensations of floating between trees or even flying over the lake.

The only existing furniture, besides the pews, is a simple altar that appears to float on a reflecting pool, which in turn creates an endless effect with the lake. The only metal support shortens the longest stretch of beams, which is not perceived because it is ”the cross”.

Inspiration from architect:

The design was developed respecting a combination of plains and slopes in the site, and the constant relationship to the lake. The chapel is intended as a landscape scene and is handled like an austere space with a single material, to highlight the lake and mountains.